Major Lloydasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the death rate in Scotland from rheumatoid arthritis for the years 1939, 1945 and 1949 to the nearest convenient date; and what proportion to the total death rate for the same periods these figures represent.
§ Mr. WoodburnNo separate death rates for rheumatoid arthritis are recorded, but I am advised that the death rate is insignificant. Rheumatoid arthritis is a form of articular rheumatism, which in 1939, was recorded as causing a total of 97 deaths in Scotland, or about one-seventh of 1 per cent. of all deaths. Since 1940 deaths from articular rheumatism have not been separately recorded.
Major Lloydasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the incidence in Scotland of rheumatoid arthritis; and how many sufferers are undergoing treatment for this disease.
§ Mr. WoodburnI regret that the figures for which the hon. Member asks are not available. Probably the most useful statistical information is summarised in the Report of the Medical Advisory Committee (Scotland) on Chronic Rheumatic Diseases published in 1945. I am sending the hon. Member a copy.